A new wedding expo in Ballarat at the weekend aimed to tap into a more cost-friendly market, drawing predominantly on experts from across the region.

Affordable Wedding Expo organiser Chris Iles said the focus was on being affordable for stall-holders, too, to help put on show what they could offer.

Brides-to-be Ayleen Mead and Karliah Hocking found the expo offered some inspiration. Their advice for the best price was to shop around, especially to achieve the look you like without disappointment or concern about blowing the budget.

The pair met at a bridal expo earlier this year (their weddings are within a week of each other at the same venue). They have since been sharing tips and ideas.

“I think (expenses) are a big issue in weddings, especially with the price of living on the rise,” Ms Mead said.

“Shopping around is important. Ask a lot of questions...It’s hard because you want the best of everything but not at the price.

“Even when displays can look pretty good, there can be lots of add-on costs. Get a lot of quotes.”

The pair suggest shopping local, where possible, to avoid travel costs in professionals like photography or make-up. And to double-check deposits.

Affordable Wedding Expo featured a catwalk show with gowns, suits and bridesmaid style at the Wendouree Sports and Events Centre on Sunday.

The expo also featured a bagpipe playing, an active demonstration from Fernwood Fitness, and mellow love tunes from acoustic duo Retro Revival.

Showcasing a cross-section of traders from across the region, expo-goer numbers were steady.

Mr Iles, who runs an entertainment and DJ hire company, said that with the success of the first affordable expo and support from vendors, he hoped to bring the event back next year.

“I saw a niche – there was no expo in Ballarat run entirely with Ballarat people,” Mr Iles said. “For the first one (Affordable Wedding Expo), it’s been great.”